Why in the news?

  • INS Mahe was commissioned on 24 November 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

INS Mahe

  • What is it?: INS Mahe is the first of the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), built under Atma Nirbhar Bharat, reflecting India’s naval self-reliance.
  • Naming and Symbolism: Named after Mahe, a historic coastal town on the Malabar Coast known for maritime heritage.
  • Indigenous Make:
    • Designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Kochi.
    • Lead ship of 8 Mahe-class ASW-SWCs.
    • Over 80% indigenous content.
    • Major partners: BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, NPOL, and 20+ MSMEs.
  • Operational Role:
    • Designed for anti-submarine warfare in coastal and shallow waters (littorals).
    • Forms the first line of coastal defence.
  • Key Capabilities:
    • Advanced ASW suite for detecting, tracking, and neutralising sub-surface threats.
    • Compact yet potent combat suite integrating weapons, sensors, and communication networks.
    • Capable of prolonged operations in shallow waters.
    • Equipped with High-end sonars & sensors, modern weapons for ASW engagement and advanced machinery and control systems
    • Seamless integration with Larger surface combatants, submarines and Naval aviation assets.
  • Strategic Significance:
    • Enhances India’s littoral warfare strength.
    • Improves Indian Navy’s ability to counter underwater threats, especially mini-submarines and stealthy intrusions.
    • Strengthens coastal security grid, critical for
      • Protecting major ports & naval bases
      • Securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)
      • Surveillance over maritime choke points

Source: Press Information Bureau

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